Entitled “Legal responses to Rape: Redressing the Balance“, the conference will examine the new draft legislation around rape and sexual assault, as well as related subjects such as prosecuting rape, sexual history and character evidence, and independent legal representation for rape complainers.

Speakers will include the Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill and Lord Advocate Elish Angiolini.

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“In the area of criminal law, we’ll introduce our Rape and Sexual Offences Bill – to reform the law on rape and sexual offences in light of the Scottish Law Commission’s review.

Presiding Officer, if any member was ever in doubt about the need for action in this area, the figures published yesterday will have made the position clear.

At the same time as a 10% rise in sexual assaults, clear up rates for rape and indecent assault fell to 67% and 59% respectively.

Part of that is due to a lack of confidence from victims that the legal process will secure a conviction and it is therefore right that this Government and this Parliament acts.”

In response to questioning from Margaret Curran MSP, the First Minister also confirmed that he would match the previous administration’s record £3m funding for rape crisis services in Scotland. Mr Salmond further confirmed that he would reform the law in Scotland relating to the admission of sexual history evidence.